The competition, which has kick-started the careers of many of today’s industry stars, was closely fought with a high standard of entries from all young chefs. Second place was awarded to April Lily Partridge of The Clove Club and in third was Danny Young from Northcote.
Commenting on her achievement, Hansom said: “I can’t put into words how amazing it feels, I’m so happy to have won. I’ve come second in the past and knew that I really wanted to win this year.”
Young National Chef of the Year ambassador, Mark Sargeant, added: “Today’s competition was incredibly close, especially between the top three but Ruth really stood out with all her dishes. The advice we gave the young chefs was to create a dish that’s simple, flavoursome and well-presented and that’s exactly what we saw from her. It’s absolutely fantastic to have our first ever female Young National Chef of the Year.
I couldn’t be any prouder of what all ten finalists did today. They were confident, calm and we saw some fantastic culinary skills demonstrated by chefs who are so early into their careers. It’s always great to follow these chefs through their careers and I’ve got no doubt that in a few years’ time some of these chefs are going to be competing on the senior stage.”
She joins James Devine who was crowned the new National Chef of the Year at yesterday's ceremony.
All of the finalists and winners celebrated their achievements in a ceremony at The Restaurant Show on Tuesday 4th October, with judges and sponsors on hand to offer their congratulations.
For more information on the competition and details on the entry process, visit the new National Chef of the Year website at www.nationalchefoftheyear.co.uk.